Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was only 13 in Procious, when you were taken from us . My parents and I heard your call for help on the police scanner and it had a profound effect on me. Later in life I served as a dispatcher for WVSP Co. B and it was a fulfilling experience to be able to help in several situations.

Charles Rollins
Just a thankful citizen

August 29, 2022

Trooper Swartz,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of West Virginia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 5, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Swartz, I never knew you but I am neighbors to some of the most rarest people on earth, your brother retired Trooper Gordon Swartz, and his wonderful wife Shirley. he has played an invaluable role in my life the last few years and we have spoken of you many occasions . I am retired military and it does both of us good to talk about our losses and experiences . He greatly misses you and talks of your well stature as a trooper. Till we meet in heaven, sincerely SFC. Kristopher D. Myers US Army retired. You have one fine brother, he is a true treasure to us, rest easy.

SFC. Kristopher David Myers
U.S. Army / neighbor friend of his brother Trooper Gordon Swartz

November 2, 2018

It has been 45 years today that God took you from us. I miss you and love you more than you will ever know. You were the most important person in my life. You are loved and sadly missed everyday.

Debbie Boyce
your loving daughter

October 5, 2015

My mom, your big sister, still thinks of you everyday of her life, and like Ted, you were like a son to her. Your photo will be on her wall, and you will be her special love until the day she dies. I also have photos of you and me, of Pammie and Debbie and my sister Sue, taken in Mishawaka Ind. I look so much like you that I could have fit right in, and seem to have your wit and mischievous nature.
I was saddened to learn of the loss of Pam, and always wished I could have know her as an adult. Georgia (Swartz) Gildner and Paul would love to hear from Debbie or any of his grandkids. They live on 3rd street in Mishawaka and are listed in the phone book.
You were an inspiration to me, you family and community, and you did it all with that twinkle in your eye and grin on your face. Everyone loved you Don, and certainly, so did I.
Hank (Butch) Shafer Clearwater Florida

Henry F. Shafer
Nephew by Hank and Georgia

October 22, 2014

Grandad, I wish I would'be gotten a chance to meet you. Mom always spoke very highly of you when I was growing up. I always looked up to your accomplishments and you as a person altogether. Grandmom and mom are now angels as well. I love you and we'll all be together one day...

Rebecca Lesniowski Delaware City, DE
granddaughter

July 12, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that call you beloved. I am sure you are proud that your family has continued your legacy of protecting and serving.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 18, 2013

As a Florida State Trooper, I lost a brother I never knew and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Trooper Swartz (especially brother Bill and Betty Swartz, whom my wife Pam and I know) during this time of reflection. The sacrifices our Brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement make are sometimes overlooked. The few who make the ultimate sacrifice are God's special people and the families of those should find peace knowing this. Rest in peace Brother.

Trooper First Class Steve McNeely
Florida Highway Patrol

September 1, 2012

I think of you most every day (Dad) Don, but times like now the memories of that horrible day flood back. You were an amazing man and I am so thankful you allowed me to be a part of your family. We would be neighbors now were it not for that tragic day, Steve and I are on the " mountain " and the farm is still in the family. Our children were raised hearing every story I could remember about you. 42 years have passed so quickly but I can still remember hearing you come home at night and the sound of your service revolver rubbing in it's holster as you came to each bedroom door and made sure "all" your girls were safe and sound. That's just how you were. Miss you every day, look over us now as we endure yet another senseless loss in our community. Give ( Mom) Peg a kiss for me.
Your "Other" Daughter,
Joretta

Joretta Gray, Retired Paramedic
Clay County Ambulance Service, WV

August 31, 2012

To the grandfather that I never met:

I grew up hearing the amazing stories of you. I have lived these stories as if you have always been a part of my life. You have 3 beautiful great grandchildren as well. Which I am sure you know because you were there with me when they were born. Mom could not handle me becoming a police officer so I did not follow in your footsteps, but there are many days that I wish I did. I have married a hero as well, "my firefighter". I may have never met you, but you will always be a part of our lives. You are in my thoughts and dreams. Thank you for all that you did. You are my true HERO. You will always be loved. Your grandaughter Mimi.

Amanda Motta
Grandaughter

January 20, 2011

Dad, Some days it seems like an eternity since you were taken away from us and other times it seems like yesterday. Very rare a day goes by, that I don't think of you and how proud you would be of your grandchildren and now 3 great grandsons. Michael, my youngest son has followed in your footsteps and is a Maryland trooper and paramedic who presently works on the Medivac. Those Swartz genes must be very dominant as Michael is the spitting image of you. The fist time Mom saw him in uniform, she thought it was you. I feel at peace now knowing that Mother is with you. Even though she remarried after your death and he was a wonderful man, she said she would always love you. To this day Dad, we love and miss you and someday we will all be together as a family.
Love,
Pam

Pamela Swartz Hoard
Oldest daughter

December 2, 2009

Uncle Don,

Though I never got to meet you, I have grown up hearing stories about you, Uncle Gordon and My Grandpa (Bill). These stories along with your legacy were a great influence on me becoming a law enforcement officer. I know you were also a great influence on my father, Kelly in chosing his law enforcement career. I only wish I could have met you.

God Bless,
Dep. Matthew W.K. Swartz B.C.S.O.

Deputy Matthew W. K. Swartz
Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida/ Great Nephew

June 10, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Denberghe
Neighbors for a Better Manhester NH

October 15, 2007

Uncle Don,

I can only hope to be as good a cop as you, my Dad, and Uncle Gordon. I was only 6 years old when you fell but I remember it well. I only wish that I could have gotten to know you better. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Kelly Swartz
Cocoa Beach Police Department

Sgt. Kelly Swartz
Cocoa Beach Police Department / Nephew

October 4, 2007

Don was a great friend and he had an influence in my leaving the Marines and seeking a Law Enforcement career. His wife and my wife grew up in Kanawha County next door neighabors.A friend gone but not forgotten.

Capt. R.L. Ellis
Fairfax Co Va. (Ret)

June 30, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

God bless, hero. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 5, 2004

Trooper Swartz,

Many years have gone by, but you will not be forgotten...Rest in Peace Brother...

Officer
NC

August 12, 2004